The Power 1000 - London's most influential people 2013: Tastemakers, Club owners and party people

Thursday 19 September 2013 14:49 BST

Club owners and party people Tastemakers Glenn Copus

Robin Birley5 Hertford Street, ownerRichard Caring might have bought up most of Robin’s family’s empire (his father Mark founded Annabel’s) but money couldn’t buy the Birley knack for creating the Mayfair club of the moment. Everyone from movie star George Clooney to supermodel Kate Moss and advertising supremo Sir Martin Sorrell has been spotted there. It’s so exclusive you won’t find a sign on its maroon door — and a gin and tonic costs £20. Like father, like son.

Nick JonesSoho House Group, founderThe members’ club mogul is celebrating the big 50 this year but there’s no let-up in his expansion plans as he opened new diners in Notting Hill and Soho and is adding to overseas outposts in Miami, Berlin and Toronto with plans to conquer the Far East and Asia. Jones, who is married to Desert Island Discs host Kirsty Young, made a fortune in a £250 million deal with US billionaire Ron Burkle last year.

Lord PalumboMinistry of Sound, founderLib-Dem donor James Palumbo has just won a peerage, which must be a first for a London nightclub owner. The Rich List entrant (434th in the 2013 version, if you’re asking) has been a stalwart on the London club scene since founding the Ministry of Sound brand in 1991. If that weren’t enough, he’s written novels too.

Jordan GrossDaniel SylvesterOval Space, ownersNEW ENTRYOne’s the former owner of a technology company and the other has a background in property; together they converted a former Bethnal Green medical supplies centre into the music, comedy, arts and clubbing venue Oval Space eighteen months ago. In that time, they have hosted the likes of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, the composer Manuel Göttsching, Forza Win pizza pop-up, craft beer festivals and cinema clubs.

Erik LorinczThe Savoy, American Bar head bartender Following in the footsteps of 1920s legend Harry Craddock, this former Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year continues to delight as chief mixologist at the world-renowned American Bar. Cocktail maker to the stars and all-round ground-breaking pro.

Sam GalsworthySipsmith distillery, co-founderHaving gained the first government distiller’s licence for 200 years back in 2009, this Hammersmith microdistillery has helped spark a major renaissance in artisanal spirits, with their heritage approach to juniper-led libations making their small-batch gins a favourite in bars across London.

Bar ChickBloggerA mystery blonde who boozes in the name of research, Bar Chick is always at the bar at the hottest new hangouts and pop-ups. Knows absolutely everyone and guaranteed to show you a good night. She’s conquered London with her app and she’s expanding her empire to every corner of the globe.

Jonathan DowneyThe Rushmore Group, founderWith an astute understanding of what makes London’s night owls tick, this ex-lawyer has real form in transforming the city’s drinking scene. Members’ club Milk & Honey is now a staple watering hole for those in the know on both sides of the Atlantic (there’s an award-winning franchise in NYC’s Flatiron district), with Danger of Death and the new Rotary Room bringing a taste of refined urban chic to Shoreditch.

Danny ClancyKieran ClancyClub night organisersNEW ENTRYFor their Krankbrother parties they have pulled in crowds in varying numbers to a Shoreditch street party, a rave under an arch near London Bridge and a Notting Hill Carnival after-party. Together they own Beagle restaurant, a supreme contacts book and an acute understanding of how people want to let loose in London.

Matt TuckerDan BeaumontDalston Superstore, foundersThis down-to-earth pair can claim much of the credit for how Dalston’s star continues to rise as the de facto party destination for east London’s creative industries. Now with New York-style pizzeria, Voodoo Rays, and increasingly imaginative pop-up parties across the city, these DJ-cum-entrepreneurs are part of the new breed of scenesters with their fingers in a baffling number of pies.

Matt JacombPub ownerMaking his name buying, relaunching, and then selling licensed premises across the capital, this west and south London pub magnate has had a huge impact on the hangovers of many Londoners. Currently in charge of the Carpenter’s Arms in Hammersmith, The Union bar & grill chain, and Shepherd’s Bush live music venue, The Green Room. Cheers!

Charlie GilkesDuncan StirlingClub ownersRoyal courtiers and privy to P-Middy, this posh pair of nightclub barons have already conquered west London with their quirkily themed Sloane hangouts — Bart’s, Maggie’s, Bunga Bunga, and Mr Fogg’s — and now have their sights set on central London: they recently opened Disco in Soho, riding on the wave of our Daft Punk summer.

Jonny BoudAlex PotterClub ownersRivals for Gilkes and Stirling as purveyors of fun to the Made in Chelsea set, the pair who met at Leeds are still entertaining with their daytime club, Love Brunch, as well as jumping on trends with their Earl’s Court ping pong bar and their Caribbean beach shack, Rum Kitchen, which has seen the likes of Prince Harry stumbling out of its doors.

Cressida BonasSocialiteNEW ENTRYPrince Harry’s squeeze is a willowy blonde who is known for her boho style and angelic voice (she sang at half-sister Isabella Anstruther–Calthorpe-Gough’s wedding to Sam Branson). She is studying to be a dancer. Despite partying with Harry at Glastonbury, Cressie is no “Waity Katie” Middleton and is showing no signs of settling down to a life of public engagements.